THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has called on communities in Lower Gweru to set up village communities to help fight criminal activities rampant the area.
Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi made the call last week at Makepesi business centre during a crime awareness campaign meeting.
Nyathi said the committees, which would comprise all stakeholders including police, traditional leaders, the church, political leaders, business community and villagers, among others, would play a complementary role in being watchdogs for criminal activities in the area.
“There is need to set up village committees which will work with the police in eradicating criminal activities. Police statistics show an increase in stocktheft cases in Lower Gweru and so these committees can also be part of the cattle clearance team to reduce the theft of stock,” he said.
Nyathi urged the officer-in-charge at Maboleni Police Station — who oversees the whole of Lower Gweru — to meet with the community at least every 30 days to discuss their concerns particularly in dealing with crime in the area.
He commended Lower Gweru for the reduction in murder cases saying this was as a result of concerted effort from all stakeholders.
“Statistics show that the district recorded a decline in murder cases, with three cases reported in January 2024 compared to six during the same period last year,” he said.
Nyathi, however, raised concern over an increase in stocktheft which he described as “alarming”, adding that there was a need for spirited effort on the part of the community to fight crime.
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“If the community is successful in curbing murder what is stopping it from curbing stocktheft. That is why as police we are saying village committees should be part of the cattle clearance team so that we curb the selling of stolen stock,” he said.
Nyathi also revealed that 159 cattle were stolen in January last year compared to 217 the same period this year.
He also implored the community to fight the increase in assault cases which he said often led to an increase in murder cases.
Nyathi called for concerted effort in fighting drug and substance abuse which he said also led to an increase in other crimes like murder, assault and rape, among others.
